Alfred Dunhill Links Championship: St Andrews, Carnoustie & Kingsbarns

Scotland's Modern Marvels: New Build Golf Courses That Are Redefining the Home of Golf Scotland might be revered as golf's ancient homeland, but the country's most exciting chapter may well be its modern one. Contrary to popular belief that all of Scotland's great golf was built centuries ago, the past 35 years have witnessed a remarkable renaissance that has produced multiple world top 100 courses and redefined what modern Scottish golf can achieve. Bottom Line: Scotland's new build golf courses since 1990 have created four world top 100 courses and over 30 quality developments, proving that innovation and tradition can coexist beautifully in golf's birthplace. Scotland's Surprising Modern Golf Renaissance The prevailing wisdom suggests that Scotland's golden age of golf course construction occurred between 1900 and 1940, with little of significance happening thereafter. This perception couldn't be further from the truth. Since 1990, Scotland has experienced a second golden age of golf development that has fundamentally changed the landscape of Scottish golf. Research reveals that over 30 new golf courses have been constructed across Scotland in the past three decades, with several achieving world recognition. The period from 1990 onwards represents more than just quantity – it's about quality and innovation. These new builds have had to prove themselves worthy of standing alongside courses like St Andrews and Muirfield, and remarkably, several have succeeded spectacularly. The Elite Four - World Top 100 New Builds Kingsbarns: The Trailblazer That Started It All Currently ranked 43rd in the world and 7th in Scotland, Kingsbarns stands as the crowning achievement of Scotland's new build movement. This Kyle Phillips design, developed with significant input from owner Mark Parson, opened in the 1990s and immediately announced that modern Scottish golf could compete on the world stage. Kingsbarns succeeded because it understood its audience. Positioned as a premium experience for American tourists, the course needed to deliver both spectacular golf and playability. The elegant routing avoids the elevation changes that plague some new builds, creating a seamless journey through manufactured links land that feels entirely natural. The course's success lies in its restraint – it doesn't try to out-do the classics but instead creates its own identity within the Scottish golf tradition. For travelling golfers, Kingsbarns offers the perfect introduction to Scotland's new build philosophy: respectful of tradition whilst embracing innovation. Ardfin: The Engineering Marvel At 44th in the world, Ardfin represents perhaps the most audacious golf course construction project in modern Scottish history. Located on a remote island off the west coast, this Bob Harrison design required importing sand from Northern Ireland because the island had no natural sand deposits. The logistical challenges were extraordinary. Every piece of equipment and material had to be barged to the island, as the ferry couldn't handle the construction loads. The result is a course that feels like a traditional links but exists in a landscape where such a course should be impossible. The backdrop at Ardfin is unparalleled – an amazing tapestry of Scottish coastline that makes every hole a photographic opportunity. However, the course is notably difficult, presenting a stern test that rewards precision and punishes wayward shots. The construction team's determination to overcome the extreme logistical challenges has created one of Scotland's most spectacular golfing experiences. Castle Stewart (Cabot Highlands): Routing Genius 54th globally and 9th in Scotland, Cabot Highlands Castle Stewart showcases how intelligent routing can overcome challenging terrain. This Mark Parson and Gil Hanse collaboration faces the significant challenge of two distinct tiers separated by substantial elevation changes. The long walk between the lower and upper tiers on the back nine represents the course's only significant weakness, but the quality of the golf holes more than compensates. The routing demonstrates how modern architects can work with, rather than against, Scotland's challenging topography. Under the Cabot Highlands banner, Castle Stewart benefits from enhanced conditioning and service standards. The course represents a masterclass in how to handle severe terrain whilst maintaining strategic interest and playability. Trump International: Spectacular but Controversial 77th in the world and 11th in Scotland, Trump International Aberdeen showcases Martin Hawtree's routing brilliance on some of the most severe duneland in Scotland. The spectacular amphitheatre settings create dramatic elevated tee shots that rival anything in world golf. However, the course divides opinion due to Hawtree's distinctive green design philosophy. His "clamshell" greens, whilst strategically sound, lack the natural integration that characterises the greatest Scottish courses. The abrupt transitions from fairway to green, rather than seamless tie-ins, represent a missed opportunity on otherwise brilliant golf holes. The front nine at Trump International ranks among the finest in modern Scottish golf, whilst the back nine's routing through massive dunes creates an epic but exhausting journey. Rumoured improvements to the 10th hole and green complexes could elevate this course significantly. The Construction Challenges That Define Scottish New Builds Building golf courses in Scotland presents unique challenges that distinguish these projects from developments elsewhere. Environmental constraints top the list, with strict planning requirements that can delay projects for years. The proposed Coul Links project by Coore & Crenshaw exemplifies these challenges, having faced environmental objections despite potentially providing better land stewardship than current neglect. Logistical nightmares are common, particularly for remote locations. Ardfin's barge-dependent construction represents an extreme example, but even accessible sites face challenges with Scotland's variable weather and challenging terrain. Agronomy presents ongoing challenges, with harsh Scottish winters testing maintenance programmes. Many new builds have required several years to achieve optimal conditioning, with courses like Dumbarnie recently completing significant improvements to address early growing-in challenges. Weather considerations affect both construction and play. Scotland's climate demands robust design that can handle high winds, driving rain, and rapid weather changes. Successful new builds integrate these challenges into their strategic design rather than fighting against them. Top Tier GB&I Top 100 Ranked Links Courses Scotland's new build movement extends far beyond the world-ranked courses, with quality developments across diverse landscapes. Skibo Castle represents the ultra-private end of the spectrum, potentially the hardest tee time in Scotland with its international membership flying in via private jet. Renaissance Club in East Lothian demonstrates how new builds can create compelling membership experiences, with their community-focused approach generating strong member loyalty and impressive group travel programmes. The Machrie Another Place on the island of Islay showcases how heritage properties can be transformed through sensitive redevelopment. This boutique hotel and golf course combination offers an exceptional Scottish island experience, with the redesigned course complementing one of Scotland's finest hospitality offerings. Dumbarnie represents the challenge and eventual reward of building in a great location on non-traditional links land. Clive Clark's design has overcome initial growing difficulties to emerge as a quality addition to Scotland's golf landscape, demonstrating how persistence and proper investment can overcome early setbacks. Regional diversity spans from island locations like Ardfin to inland gems like Dumbarnie, showcasing Scottish golf's geographical breadth. The northeast around Aberdeen has seen particular activity, with multiple developments taking advantage of the oil industry's prosperity. Accessibility varies dramatically, from completely private clubs to public access facilities. This spectrum ensures that Scotland's new build revolution benefits golfers across different budgets and connection levels. Further Scottish Golf Developments Scotland's new build story continues evolving, with several major projects set to open or seeking approval. Coul Links, the proposed Coore & Crenshaw design near Dornoch, represents potentially the most significant addition to Scottish golf since Kingsbarns. The environmental debate surrounding this project highlights the ongoing tension between golf development and conservation. The battle between Trump International Scotland’s New Course and Cabot Highlands' Old Petty course promises to be one of golf's most compelling rivalries. Trump International Scotland New Course, featuring routing by Christian Lundin, tackles diverse terrain from wetlands to spectacular coastal dunes. Early reports suggest it may exceed even the original Trump International course. *Trump New has debuted at 24 in Scotland in the 2026 ranking.* Meanwhile, Old Petty represents Tom Doak's vision for Scottish golf, with Clyde Johnson's finishing touches promising the subtle brilliance that characterises the best modern architecture. The course is being described as "high IQ golf" that rewards strategic thinking over power. Update *Old Petty has debuted at 20 in Scotland in the 2026 ranking.* Planning Your Scottish New Build Golf Adventure For golfers planning to experience Scotland's modern marvels, strategic itinerary planning is essential. The new builds complement rather than compete with traditional courses, offering different perspectives on Scottish golf's evolution. Accessibility considerations vary enormously, from Kingsbarns' visitor-friendly approach to Skibo Castle's ultra-exclusive membership. Renaissance Club and Castle Stewart offer middle-ground options with member privileges available through various arrangements. Seasonal timing affects both conditioning and availability. Late spring through early autumn provides optimal conditions, though Scotland's new builds generally offer better winter golf than many traditional courses due to superior drainage and maintenance capabilities. Transportation logistics require careful planning, particularly for remote locations like Ardfin. However, the journey often becomes part of the experience, with spectacular Scottish scenery enhancing the golf adventure. The new build revolution has proved that Scotland's golf story is far from finished. These modern marvels don't replace the ancient links but rather expand the Scottish golf experience, offering fresh perspectives on what makes golf in Scotland uniquely special. For the discerning golf traveller, Scotland's new builds represent not just excellent golf, but the continuing evolution of the game in its homeland. Ready to experience Scotland's new build revolution? Contact our golf travel specialists to craft the perfect modern Scottish golf adventure, combining world-class new courses with timeless traditional links.

No golf destination carries quite the same weight as the Kingdom of Fife. This peninsula jutting into the North Sea between the Firth of Forth and the Firth of Tay is where the game was born, where its rules are written, and where golfers have been making pilgrimages for six centuries. It is Scotland's most densely packed region for quality golf. The Old Course at St Andrews sits at the very summit of the world rankings, but Fife's strength goes far beyond one famous address. Kingsbarns ranks among the finest modern links on the planet; Dumbarnie has shot to prominence since opening in 2020; the Castle Course, New Course, and Jubilee provide championship-level variety without leaving the St Andrews links complex. Venture further south into the East Neuk and you find Elie, Crail, Lundin Links, and Leven – courses that serious golfers return to again and again. Venturing inland to Ladybank and Scotscraig rewards those willing to look beyond the coast. A week in Fife barely scratches the surface. A fortnight leaves you wanting more. This guide covers everything needed to plan a trip that does justice to Scotland's most extraordinary golf region. Fife Golf: Why It Should Top Your Travel List 🌟 Unmatched Golf Density Fife leads Scotland's regional breakdown with the most courses in the Top 100, ahead of East Lothian and Ayrshire. Within a 40km (25-mile) radius of St Andrews, golfers can access more world-class links than on any comparable stretch of coastline anywhere. The concentration is genuinely remarkable… drive 20 minutes east from St Andrews, and you are playing Kingsbarns; 30 minutes west and you are at the East Neuk classics; an hour north and Scotscraig awaits. The quality also spans every price point and every course style. The range means golfers on any budget can build a serious itinerary. A Golf Trip Unlike Any Other Home of Golf heritage – it is the home of golf and where the R&A still governs the global game from Championship pedigree – the Old Course alone has hosted 29 Opens; Kingsbarns co-hosts the Dunhill Links each autumn Modern excellence – Dumbarnie (2020) and the Castle Course (2008) prove Fife's ability to produce world-class new designs Diversity of terrain – links, heathland, parkland, and clifftop golf all within an hour's drive Infrastructure – St Andrews supports international golfers with world-class hotels, caddies, equipment rental, and year-round play Fife's Finest Golf Courses ⛳ The Top Eight – Essential Fife Golf 1. The Old Course at St Andrews The Old Course at St Andrews – The most famous golf course in the world sits at the very heart of the town, its fairways woven into the fabric of St Andrews itself. The course divides opinion among architects and purists – the blind shots, shared fairways, and vast double greens are either baffling or revelatory depending on the round – but no golfer leaves unmoved. A guaranteed tee time requires booking many months in advance through an authorised operator. The daily ballot offers a more affordable route but demands flexibility; the ballot draws 48 hours ahead, and results are announced after 5 pm. Caddies are strongly recommended to complete the experience. 2. Kingsbarns Golf Links Kingsbarns Golf Links – Opened in 2000, Kyle Phillips's design transformed flat farmland 11km (7 miles) southeast of St Andrews into one of the most celebrated links in existence. The North Sea is visible from every part of the course, and six holes play directly along the shoreline. The par-5 12th, sweeping around the bay, and the par-3 15th, demanding a carry over a rocky inlet, are among the most photographed holes in Scottish golf. Kingsbarns co-hosts the Dunhill Links Championship with the Old Course and Carnoustie each autumn. The club's caddie operation is excellent, and the post-round hospitality matches the best in Scotland. 3. Dumbarnie Links Dumbarnie Links – Clive Clark's 2020 creation on the 5,000-acre Balcarres Estate has made one of the most dramatic entrances in recent Scottish golf history. Set on the Fife coast overlooking the Firth of Forth, with 14 of 18 holes offering sea views, Dumbarnie stretches to 7,600 yards from the tips and can be set up with up to three drivable par-4s depending on conditions. The 10th, defending itself with a large water feature, is the hardest hole on the course; the 17th, a short par-4 climbing over a stone wall and wetland, captures the Scottish links spirit perfectly. Dumbarnie hosted the Women's Scottish Open in 2021 and has quickly established itself as one of Scotland's finest pay-and-play venues. 4. St Andrews Castle Course St Andrews Links (Castle Course) – The newest addition to the St Andrews Links Trust portfolio was designed by David McLay Kidd and opened in 2008. Laid out on a clifftop above the town with over 1.6km (a mile) of waterfront. The Castle Course divides opinion within the St Andrews family as it lacks the 'natural' links character of its famous siblings, but the clifftop setting delivers drama that few courses anywhere can match. The closing three holes of each nine are strung along the coastline, and the wind at this exposed elevation makes the Castle Course play more difficult than its yardage suggests. Closed from November to February. 5. St Andrews New Course St Andrews Links (New Course) – Created in 1895 by Old Tom Morris and Benjamin Hall Blythe to relieve pressure on the Old Course, the New Course is considered by many locals to be the finest test in St Andrews. Tighter and more defined than its famous neighbour, the New rewards precision over creativity and has hosted national championships for over a century. It is outstanding value for a course of this quality and heritage. 6. Golf House Club, Elie Golf House Club, Elie – James Braid was born and raised at Elie, and while it was Old Tom Morris who laid out the current 18 holes in 1895, Braid made his revisions in 1921, and the course has remained largely untouched since. Elie is famously quirky. For example, the starter uses a submarine periscope salvaged from HMS Excalibur to check that the opening hole is clear before sending groups on their way. Five-time Open champion Peter Thomson called it the most enjoyable course he knew, and the layout of 16 par-4s and two par-3s, with fiery greens and constant Firth of Forth views, makes the claim easy to understand. Visitor access is limited in the summer due to member priority, so early booking is essential. 7. St Andrews Jubilee Course St Andrews Links (Jubilee Course) – Often described as the most challenging of the St Andrews courses, the Jubilee was built in 1897 and sits between the New Course and the sea. The Jubilee is considered excellent preparation for anyone hoping to play the Old Course. 8. Crail Balcomie Links Crail (Balcomie Links) – Golf has been played at Crail since 1786, making it one of the oldest clubs in the world. Old Tom Morris designed the current Balcomie Links layout in the late 1890s, with the course positioned right on the craggy East Neuk coastline. With stone walls, railway sleeper bunker faces, and natural hollows as hazards, Crail has an authenticity that newer courses spend fortunes trying to recreate. Crail is 15km (9 miles) from St Andrews and serves as an ideal companion round to Kingsbarns, just minutes away. Worth Every Minute: Fife's B-Side Courses 🎯 The Supporting Cast That Steals the Show One of Fife's great secrets is how well its mid-tier courses compare to headline acts elsewhere in Scotland. The following seven are ranked 9–14 in Fife's Top 100 regional listing, and each one earns its place in any serious Fife itinerary. 9. Crail Craighead Links Crail (Craighead Links) – Gil Hanse's 1998 design at Crail occupies higher ground than its older sibling, Balcomie, and offers more dramatic elevation changes and sweeping views in multiple directions. Craighead's tall fescue rough is among the most demanding in Fife, and the green complexes require careful thought. Playing both Crail courses in a single day is entirely achievable and gives a fascinating contrast in approach and character. 10. Lundin Golf Club Lundin Links – Lundin's unusual origins. The club shared a course with Leven Golf Club until 1909, when James Braid was brought in to create a separate layout, giving the course a character unlike any other in Fife. The front nine is classic links; the back nine crosses an old railway line into a different style entirely. Lundin hosted Open Final Qualifying when the Championship was at St Andrews for many years, which says everything about the quality of the test. Six holes play adjacent to the beach, and the 18th, at 450 yards, is one of the toughest finishers in the Kingdom. 11. Leven Links Leven Links – Sharing the same stretch of coastline as Lundin, Leven is the more traditional of the two and offers one of the most honest links tests in Fife at a price that feels increasingly rare for a course of this calibre. The par-3s can be particularly devilish, and the two closing holes are as strong as any in the East Neuk. The golf club dates to 1820, making Leven one of the older clubs in Scotland. 12. Ladybank Golf Club Ladybank Golf Club – Ladybank is Fife's only heathland course is a pine-lined inland gem that offers a completely different experience from the coastal links dominating the rest of the Kingdom's roster. Old Tom Morris designed the original layout, and the course has hosted Open qualifying and top amateur events, including the Scottish PGA Championship. The contrast with a day on the links is deeply refreshing, and the course's compact, strategic nature rewards intelligent play over raw power. 13. Scotscraig Golf Club Scotscraig Golf Club – Founded in 1817, Scotscraig is among the 20 oldest golf clubs in the world and sits in the north of Fife near Tayport. The hybrid course, partly heathland, partly links, sits close to the sea without actually playing along it. James Braid redesigned the layout in 1923, and his accuracy-focused design rewards careful course management over aggression. Scotscraig hosts Open qualifying when the Championship is at St Andrews and held the Scottish PGA Championship in 2023. 14. St Andrews Eden Course St Andrews Links (Eden Course) – The Eden sits within the St Andrews Links complex, tucked between the estuary of the River Eden and the more celebrated courses. Redesigned by Harry Colt in 1913, it is a genuine links test at an accessible price point and makes an excellent warm-up round for groups visiting St Andrews for the first time. Where to Stay: The Fairmont St Andrews 🏨 The Golf Resort of Choice for Fife For golfers seeking a single base that combines world-class accommodation with on-site golf, the Fairmont St Andrews stands apart from every other option in the Kingdom. The five-star resort occupies a dramatic clifftop position 3km (2 miles) from the Old Course, with views across St Andrews Bay that set the mood from the moment of arrival. The Fairmont's 209 rooms and suites range from golf-view standard rooms to sprawling spa suites, and the hotel's Esperante restaurant has earned consistent recognition for its Scottish menu. The leisure facilities, including an indoor pool and spa, provide welcome recovery between rounds on days when Fife's weather has taken its toll. For golfers not staying at the Fairmont, St Andrews town centre offers a substantial choice. The Rusacks Marine Hotel occupies one of the most coveted positions in Scottish golf, overlooking the 18th hole of the Old Course from just beyond the boundary. Its recent renovation has brought it back to the standard the location demands. The Old Course Hotel, directly adjacent to the 17th Road Hole of the Old Course, remains the most famous golf hotel address in Scotland and serves as the unofficial meeting point for serious golfers visiting St Andrews. In the East Neuk, the small fishing towns of Anstruther, Pittenweem, and Crail offer characterful B&B and self-catering accommodation that puts golfers within minutes of Elie, the two Crail courses, Lundin, and Leven. For golfers making Elie or Lundin Links the centrepiece of a visit rather than St Andrews, basing in the East Neuk avoids the traffic and crowds of the town while keeping the top courses within easy reach. Getting There and Getting Around 🚗✈️ Reaching Fife Edinburgh Airport is the primary international gateway, with direct flights from London (1 hour), most major European cities, and transatlantic services from New York, Boston, and Toronto. The drive from Edinburgh to St Andrews takes approximately 75 minutes via the Forth Road Bridge and the M90. Dundee Airport serves regional UK routes and sits 35km (22 miles) from St Andrews. Trains from Edinburgh to Leuchars station (the stop for St Andrews) take approximately 1 hour; the connecting bus into town adds 15 minutes. For golfers planning multiple East Neuk courses, a rental car is essentially mandatory. All the key courses are within 45 minutes of St Andrews by car. Getting Around Fife A hire car is the practical choice for any golfer playing more than two or three courses. The road network in Fife is straightforward and largely free of congestion outside St Andrews town centre. Distances are compact: Kingsbarns is 11km (7 miles) southeast; Elie is 24km (15 miles) south; Lundin Links is 30km (19 miles) southwest; Ladybank is 32km (20 miles) west; Scotscraig is 26km (16 miles) north. Most golfers based in St Andrews can reach any course in Fife within 45 minutes. Clubs, Equipment, and Caddies Caddies are strongly recommended on the Old Course. The local knowledge on the Old Course is genuinely invaluable and transforms an enjoyable round into a memorable one. Weather and When to Visit Golf in Fife is a year-round proposition, though the experience varies significantly by season. May to September offers the longest days, the best weather reliability, and peak green fees. Late April and early October provide excellent conditions at shoulder-season pricing, with fewer crowds and the same course quality. Winter play (November to March) is possible on most courses, with green fees dropping substantially. The Dunhill Links Championship in early October is a significant draw for Fife at that time of year, with the Old Course, Kingsbarns, and Carnoustie all hosting the pro-am. The Open Championship at St Andrews – next scheduled for 2030 following the 150th edition in 2022 – creates enormous demand for the entire year in question and the year before. Booking Golf in Fife 📅 Securing Tee Times at the Top Courses The Old Course requires the most planning. Guaranteed commercial tee times through authorised operators sell out many months in advance – for peak season, 12 months ahead is not excessive. The daily ballot is drawn 48 hours before play and offers a more affordable route but demands flexibility and a willingness to adjust the day's schedule. Entering the annual private ballot in late August for the following year is the most popular approach. Kingsbarns releases tee times well in advance, and the booking process is straightforward through the club's website. Dumbarnie's visitor tee times are bookable directly via email or phone and the club is responsive to inquiries – booking 2–3 months ahead for peak summer is prudent. The East Neuk courses of Elie, Crail, Lundin, and Leven generally have more availability and bookable time slots within a 4–6 week window in summer. Elie is the notable exception: member priority severely limits visitor access at weekends in high season, and weekday play is strongly advisable for non-members. Ladybank and Scotscraig are the most accessible of Fife's top courses and can often be booked within days during the summer. The St Andrews Links Trust courses (New, Jubilee, Eden, Castle) are bookable through the Links Trust website or via authorised operators. Package deals combining two Links courses on consecutive days are offered and provide meaningful savings over individual bookings. Beyond the Fairways 🏰 When the Clubs Are Put Away St Andrews is a complete destination beyond golf. The University of St Andrews, founded in 1413 and the oldest in Scotland, gives the town an intellectual energy that distinguishes it from most golf destinations. The ruins of St Andrews Cathedral – once the largest in Scotland before the Reformation – and the adjacent St Andrews Castle are worth a morning's exploration. The British Golf Museum, adjacent to the R&A Clubhouse, is the finest golf heritage museum in the world and an essential context for any serious golfer visiting the Kingdom. The East Neuk villages – Anstruther, Pittenweem, St Monans, and Crail – reward exploration on any day away from golf. The Pittenweem Arts Festival each August transforms the village into a gallery town; the working fishing harbour at Anstruther is active year-round; Crail's harbour, with its distinctive red pantile rooftops, is among the most photographed spots in Fife. Scotland's Secret Bunker near Anstruther, a Cold War nuclear command centre preserved underground, provides a genuinely surprising afternoon for the curious. Walking the Fife Coastal Path, which stretches 117km (73 miles) from the Forth Road Bridge to the Tay Bridge, is increasingly popular with non-golfing partners. The section from Largo to St Andrews is particularly rewarding and passes several of the region's best courses. The village of Falkland, home to Falkland Palace, a Renaissance royal hunting lodge that served as a retreat for Mary Queen of Scots, is worth the 30-minute drive inland for a complete change of pace. Insider Local Knowledge 💡 What the Guidebooks Miss The Old Course is closed every Sunday – a fact that surprises first-time visitors Ballot tee times on the Old Course are actually cheaper than commercial guaranteed times Elie's periscope starter system is worth arriving early for The Craigtoun Course (formerly Duke's) is now a St Andrews Links Trust property and offers a heathland experience completely unlike the links courses Lundin Links and Leven Links share the same stretch of coastline and are most rewarding played together; the contrast between Braid's hybrid Lundin design and Leven's traditional links format is instructive and thoroughly enjoyable Ladybank is easily overlooked but consistently surprises visitors who expect a 'lesser' inland course Pack waterproofs regardless of the forecast; Fife weather changes rapidly, and even the best forecasting is unreliable on the coast Golf in The Kingdom of Fife Awaits 🏴󠁧󠁢󠁳󠁣󠁴󠁿 Fife rewards planning but forgives those who arrive without much of it. The sheer density of outstanding golf means that a trip here produces memories that last a lifetime. The Kingdom of Golf earned its name long before marketing departments existed, and the courses that fill this guide prove it still deserves the title. Book the Old Course as early as possible, be flexible with everything else, and trust that Fife will deliver. It always does.

The message of great, strategic golf course architecture is clear. The actual words used to describe those golf courses, however, are many. The Architecture Glossary column will examine more precise terms and concepts that one will find when exploring golf course architecture. Hopefully understanding these terms, and why certain architects employed them, will help you to better understand the golf courses you play…and maybe even improve your scores! Today’s term is ‘Spectacles’. There are many differences between the scratch golfer and the touring professional. An important one is how the player reacts to being watched as they play, and whether they fold under the pressure. Carnoustie features at least one moment where, even if you’re not competing for The Open and even if you’re the only one on the course, an imposing pair will be staring down your approach shot. Overcoming this daunting voyeur is the key to success on “Spectacles,” the No. 14 hole at Carnoustie’s Championship course. Carnoustie No. 14: A look at Carnoustie's famous "Spectacles" bunkers, prior to the backs being revetted. Photo credit: Billy Satterfield The feature in question is a pair of circular bunkers built into a ridge that crosses the fairway about 50 yards from the green. That they are built into the hill, and that the back wall of the bunkers is revetted, gives the distinct impression that a giant figure is peeping up from the fairway into your next shot. Whether or not you choose to personify the hole, the role these bunkers play is paramount to ensuring that this short par five (476 yards) lives up to the “Carnasty” brand. A good drive will give most golfers the opportunity to reach the green and pursue an eagle three. The judging eyes of Spectacles work to dissuade both. For those of average driving distance, the rising, revetted nature of the bunkers will make the run-up area seem far shorter than it actually is. For those who have smashed their tee shot, the bunkers may (ironically, considering their optometric namesake), blind the green from the player. Those who hit a poor tee shot will be wise not to contend with the cross-hazard. These Spectacles come from an iconic designer in golf course architecture, Old Tom Morris. Another pair of Spectacles in Scotland come from a lesser Morris, simply known as “F. Morris,” who was both the original designer and greenskeeper at Western Gailes Golf Club. This Morris used his Spectacles in a way that was as cunning as his more famous forbearer, while also showing a touch more sympathy for the player who could use them well. No. 15 at Western Gailes is a 194-yard par three that, like the original “Spectacles,” features a lengthy run-up area for those looking to roll onto the green. It also features a pair of eyeball bunkers that distort the view of that run-up area. Western Gailes No. 15: Although less pronounced than its Carnoustie cousins, the Spectacles at Western Gailes No. 15 still serve their intimidating purpose. Photo credit: Gary Lisbon. On the other hand, this pair can be helpful for the player who trusts their distance. The green is wrapped more tightly by five additional bunkers around its left and right perimeter. If you need a target line to find the front of the green, going right between the Spectacles will do the trick. That said, don’t let them fool you into playing too long, or you might roll right to the back of this long putting surface. If there is one bunker that might easily become confused for the Spectacles hazard, it is the “Principal’s Nose,” a set of sand hazards more well-known than those at Carnoustie. This trio of traps lurk off the left side of No. 16 at the Old Course of St. Andrews. The emphasis is on “trio”; these three circular bunkers are built into a rising mound so that if a player were to look backwards from the fairway, they would indeed resemble a pair of nostrils. That the player is looking backwards is important, however, as proper Spectacles will always be staring at the player while they approach the green. In fact, if the Principal’s Nose bunker were flipped 180-degrees, it might qualify. St Andrews Old No. 16: The "Principal's Nose," oddly, has three nostrils, and that's where you can tell the difference between it and a Spectacles bunker. (Photo Credit: Wikimedia Commons) Further confusion occurs because American golf course architecture enthusiasts know about the Principal’s Nose primarily from C.B. Macdoanld’s Double Plateau template hole, where he liked to plop a version of that bunker into the middle of the fairway short of the green. So, when looking at instances such as those at the National Golf Links of America or Yale Golf Club, the bunker behaves more like Spectacles but looks more like Principal’s Nose. This leads some to assume that all bunkers ahead of Macdonald’s Double Template green are automatically a Principal’s Nose. However, the architect occasionally employed a proper Spectacles to handle the job. Such is the case at the Chicago Golf Club’s no. 6 hole. Chicago No. 6: Although it does look quite like a nose from above, the centerline bunker formation at Chicago Golf Club's Double Plateau hole is a case of Spectacles. (Photo Credit: Google Maps) If you need further proof that there’s a difference between Spectacles and Principal’s Nose, head back to No. 5 at St. Andrews…but don’t actually look at the bunkers named “Spectacles.” This pair of pots sit very far apart, pinching the fairway as the fairway approaches the green, however they don’t fill the role of the Spectacles as defined by Carnoustie’s more famous version. Instead, look at the pair of bunkers about 265 yards away. Although part of the “Seven Sisters” constellation, these bunkers also stare down players looking for the optimal angle into this par five’s reachable green. Their glare, like that at Carnoustie, may pressure you to play away. Although centerline bunkers have emerged as popular as ever in the new “Golden Age” of golf course architecture, Spectacles themselves have not been quite as popular. Part of this is that, in order to create the proper effect, the backs of the bunkers must rise significantly, and revetting bunkers is not particularly popular under the minimalist trend. That said, some creative architects can find opportunities even without moving much land. The penultimate hole at Cabot Cliffs, for example, manages to find some use for Spectacles even though the approach will be downhill. A good drive to the peak of this fairway will leave a downhill look at the green. The pair of bunkers look up at the player, and their smaller eyebrows rise in such a way that the precise landing area for a pitch to front pins is in question. Rather than take such a risky shot, wise players may prefer to play to the middle or back of the green, thus proving the value such bunkers bring to a hole that, on paper (330 yards) looks like a pushover for the big hitter. Cabot Cliffs No. 16: The green-hugging bunkers at Cabot Cliffs No. 16 is a literal case of staring down the barrel of a loaded Spectacles. (Photo Credit: Larry Lambrecht) Spectacle bunkers shouldn’t make the player feel more self-conscious about their abilities, of course. But, nonetheless, these watchful eyes should certainly make them feel more wary of the next shot they take.